About

Bespoke furniture designed and crafted by Bruce Hamilton

About Bruce Hamilton

Bruce is the third generation of his family to work in the timber trade and he has over thirty years’ experience in the furniture industry. Serving his apprenticeship as a chair maker with James E Robertson & Sons in Johnstone, and, gaining a good firm knowledge of all aspects of furniture construction, he was presented the award of top student in his final year at college.

In the Autumn of 1990, the company Bruce was employed by ceased trading and this gave him the opportunity to realise an ambition: to set up his own business. His first work shop would be his father’s double garage. After attending a government business start-up course, Bruce Hamilton Furniture Makers was established in the Spring of 1991. After 2 years of trading, Bruce’s business had outgrown his initial garage workshop and the need for more space was necessary. Moving to a redundant joiner’s workshop in Johnstone, Bruce gained more space and he acquired his first heavy duty wood work machines which helped Bruce step up production and tender for larger commissions. It was at this workshop that he made the furniture for the House for an Art Lover and also the Willow Tea Rooms in Buchanan Street, both in Glasgow.

Our Workshop

In 1997, after three years trading in Johnstone, and, having established the foundations of a good bespoke furniture workshop, the business was forced to relocate. This resulted in a move to the workshop in Linwood. Subsequent notable commissions were to follow including choir stalls for Paisley Abbey, re-placement Director’s Room and Board Room chairs for the Glasgow School of Art, and a communion table for the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.

Bruce strives to provide a high level of service to customers from initial contact via the web, often preferring a quick telephone conversation to establish what the client requires then following up by email. If a home or site visit is possible, Bruce will talk over the client’s needs and express what he can offer, if possible providing examples of his work for the client to see in situ in their home. For new bespoke items, Bruce will provide a scale drawn design for client approval. He can also provide CAD drawings and 3D models if required. Clients are welcome to visit the workshop where they can see what is currently under production. Bruce will explain where the different stages of production are carried out throughout the work shop.

With almost 30 years of experience in the furniture industry, Bruce Hamilton Furniture Makers has an impressive portfolio of commissions, including House for an Art Lover, Willow Tearooms, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Paisley Abbey as well as international customers in the USA, Canada and Europe.